The name "Yom Kippur" means "Day of Atonement," and that pretty much explains what the holiday and parsha is about. It is a day set aside to "afflict the soul," to atone for the sins of the past year. Yom Kippur atones only for sins between man and G-d, not for sins against another person.

I believe that among the many things that G-d is trying to teach us all through Yom Kippur is about our attitude and values.

In Isaiah, G-d lists key principles that He expects us to model as we participate with Him during the Rosh Hashanah / Yom Kippur cycle and, frankly, every day.

Here is what I see as I read through Isaiah 57:14-58:14.

¥ Idols do not save me from trouble or help me repair that trouble. This includes my money, my power, my relationships or anything else I put before G-d.
¥ Only G-d restores me if I am willing to trust Him to do so.
¥ I must actively participate in removing the rubble and debris in my life so that my life can be re-built by G-d.
¥ I must be contrite and humble to live with the Holy One.
¥ He restores my spirit and courage if I am repentant.
¥ Punishment is for a season, and not forever.
¥ He sees the evil that I do but wants to lead and heal me anyway.
¥ Deep sorrow and regret for my sin will bring G-d’s comfort.
¥ G-d’s comfort will be so wonderful that I will praise Him.
¥ Those that reject Him will live a life full of turmoil and without peace.
¥ I am not to live an outwardly pious life while pursuing secret sin. G-d will not answer my prayers.

Ø The type of “fasting” that pleases G-d is service to others, done without any expectation of a reward or repayment.
Ø He wants me to serve others with a glad and open hand.
Ø I am to treat my workers with justice, and moderation; share my food, clothes, home and resources with those in need, including my relatives.
Ø If I have oppressed someone, put chains on them or imprisoned them, for example through anger, unforgiveness, disrespect, manipulative control, then I need to free them and repair the damage I have caused.

If I do selfless things for others because of my love for them and love for Him then G-d will rescue, deliver, and set me free from the filth that surrounds me. My god likeness will lead me forward into sanctification.

The generic meaning of sanctification is "the state of proper functioning." To sanctify someone or something is to set that person or thing apart for the use intended by its designer. A pen is "sanctified" when used to write. Eyeglasses are "sanctified" when used to improve sight. In the theological sense, things are sanctified when they are used for the purpose G-d intends. A human being is sanctified, therefore, when he or she lives according to G-d's design and purpose.

Through service, my light, given to me by G-d, will shine out into a very dark world and be noticed by those it touches.

The L-rd will continually guide me and renew me as endless light pours out of me and points others towards healing and nourishment and then duplicates itself in others.

This is our model for our relationships at and around TAJ.

May you be blessed this week, as you “listen” for G-d amongst the routine of your life for opportunities to share your experience, strength and hope with someone that can use a mitzvot, your light and love.

I hope that if you are able, you will join the 9:00 am Shabbat Teva Tefillah. We pray for the Temple, for Israel and our government.

Blessings to you and yours. May this week be G-d filled and peaceful within the storm.